Elderly couple killed in Cheektowaga collision

An elderly husband and wife were killed Tuesday night when their small sport utility vehicle collided with a car while turning onto Genesee Street in the vicinity of Transit Road in Cheektowaga, authorities said.

The victims were identified as Eugene Fechter, 83, and Marian Fechter, 84, Cheektowaga, police said today.

Their vehicle was leaving Calla Point Mobile Homes Park, where they resided, authorities said.

Eugene Fechter, a retired New York State trooper, was driving the 2013 Ford Escape, which turned onto Genesee from Calla Way at about 7 p.m., colliding with an eastbound car, according to police Capt. James J. Speyer.

Richard Lipczynski, 33, of Cheektowaga, was identified as the driver of the eastbound 2010 Dodge Challenger. No charges were brought against him and none are anticipated, Speyer said. Lipczynski was uninjured.

Eugene Fechter was pronounced dead soon after he was transported to Erie County Medical Center. Marian Fechter died a short time later at ECMC, police said. A Rural/Metro Medical Services ambulance took the victims to the hospital.

“This is a very unfortunate event,” Speyer said. “It looks like it was an accident. There are no other circumstances surrounding it.”

The crash remains under investigation by the Cheektowaga Police Accident Investigation Unit and Speyer asked that any witnesses call police investigators at 686-3580.